Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein, a businessman and a member of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, died unexpectedly on December 5, 2023, at the age of 51. The news of his death was conveyed by the Princely House of Liechtenstein, leading to widespread mourning across the nation and within the royal family.
He was born on March 15, 1972, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, as the youngest son of Prince Hans-Adam II, the current reigning prince of Liechtenstein, and Countess Marie Kinsky. Prince Constantin’s upbringing was closely intertwined with the history and leadership of Liechtenstein, a small German-speaking principality located between Switzerland and Austria.
Prince Constantin completed his education at Liechtenstein High School and went on to earn a master’s degree in law from the University of Salzburg. He made notable contributions to his family’s business interests, especially during his 11-year tenure as the general director and chairman of the board of the Prince Liechtenstein Foundation, which is responsible for managing the royal family’s assets.
He led the Liechtenstein Group, an international investment and holding company based in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, through significant diversification into sectors such as agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, and real estate. His leadership was crucial in the expansion and success of these business endeavors.
In 1999, Prince Constantin married Countess Marie Kálnoky de Kőröspatak, and the couple was blessed with three children: Prince Benedikt, Princess Georgina, and Prince Moritz. He was admired for his dedication to his family and his involvement in charitable activities, including supporting the rebuilding of a tornado-destroyed kindergarten playground in the Czech Republic.
Despite his status and accomplishments in the business world, Prince Constantin maintained a private profile, often avoiding public attention. His sudden death has been a shock to acquaintances and colleagues alike. The Liechtenstein Group expressed profound grief over his passing and offered condolences to his widow, Princess Marie, and their children.
Liechtenstein is governed as a constitutional hereditary monarchy under Prince Hans-Adam II, with Prince Constantin’s elder brother, Hereditary Prince Alois, as the heir apparent. The principality, comparable in size to Washington, D.C., and with a population of approximately 40,000, employs a unique political system that combines monarchical and democratic elements, ensuring balanced governance.